

The London Lyceum
Jordan Steffaniak and Brandon Ayscue
The London Lyceum seeks to encourage serious thinking for a serious church by creating an intellectual culture of charity, curiosity, and critical thinking. Find out more about us at our website: www.thelondonlyceum.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 24, 2025 • 23min
Tradition, Being a Baptist, and the Future of Renewal Theology - Kiffin's Keep Ep. 74
In this episode of Kiffin's Keep, Jordan discusses the recent departure of Matthew Barrett from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary to Trinity Anglican. He explores the implications of this change for young Baptists and the broader theological community, emphasizing the importance of honoring theological mentors while remaining rooted in one's tradition. The conversation also addresses the renewal and retrieval movements within the Baptist tradition.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Kiffin's Keep and Today's Topics02:50 Matthew Barrett's Departure and Its Implications05:28 The Role of Theological Parents and Mentors08:28 Renewal and Retrieval Movements in Baptist Tradition11:31 The Importance of Tradition and Identity14:16 Engaging with Questions and Challenges17:25 Concluding Thoughts on Theological EngagementSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-london-lyceum4672/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jul 23, 2025 • 46min
Collegiality in Academia with John Wilsey and Stephen Presley
In this episode, Jordan and Hunter talk with John and Stephen about the importance of friendship and collegiality in academia, particularly for early-career professionals. They share personal experiences and insights on navigating the challenges of academic life, the significance of providence, and the necessity of building relationships. The conversation also touches on evaluating job opportunities, the role of patience in academic growth, and the importance of engaging with scholarly work responsibly. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Themes of Curiosity01:44 Friendship and Collegiality in Academia04:42 Navigating Early Career Challenges11:18 The Role of Providence in Career Decisions17:03 Evaluating Job Opportunities in Academia21:40 Building Relationships in Academia28:08 The Importance of Patience and Community35:44 Navigating Academic Discourse and CritiqueSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-london-lyceum4672/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jul 16, 2025 • 41min
Christian Liberty before the Reformation with Ian Christopher Levy
In this episode Jordan talks with Dr. Ian Christopher Levy to explore the relationship between medieval theology, the concept of conscience, and the evolution of papal power. They discuss the role of theology masters in universities, the nature of penance, and the distinctions between Luther's views and those of medieval theologians. The conversation highlights the vibrant intellectual culture of the medieval period and its lasting impact on contemporary thought.Resources:1) With a Pure Conscience: Christian Liberty before the ReformationChapters00:00 Introduction to the London Lyceum and Dr. Ian Christopher Levy01:25 Exploring Late Medieval Theology and Key Figures04:23 The Role of Universities in Church and Society07:06 Understanding Conscience in Medieval Thought11:28 Penance and Its Significance in Medieval Christianity14:25 The Evolution of Papal Power in the Medieval Era18:17 William Ockham and Political Thought21:20 Debunking the Myth of the Dark Ages23:11 Luther's Conscience vs. Medieval Theology27:44 The Common Good and the Nature of Disputations32:17 Intellectual Engagement in Today's Climate37:28 Future Projects and ConclusionSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-london-lyceum4672/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jul 9, 2025 • 1h 12min
On the Nature of Sexual Difference with Timothy Fortin
In this conversation, Matt Ntiros and Ryan Modisette talk with Timothy Fortin about the complexities of sexual difference and gender from philosophical, biological, and theological perspectives. He explores the historical context of these concepts, particularly through the lenses of Thomas Aquinas and Simone de Beauvoir, while also addressing contemporary views on gender identity. The discussion delves into the evolutionary basis for sexual difference and its implications for understanding masculinity and femininity, ultimately connecting these ideas to a broader theological framework.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Conversation02:53 Understanding Sexual Difference05:28 The Relationship Between Sexual Difference and Gender08:03 Major Theories on Sexual Difference10:47 Evolutionary Perspectives on Sexual Difference13:22 Philosophical Perspectives: Beauvoir and Butler16:15 Contemporary Implications of Sexual Difference37:34 The Role of Matter in Creation39:26 Evolutionary Perspectives on Gender42:06 Substance and Identity: A Thomistic Approach45:50 Causal and Ontological Analyses of Sexual Difference51:47 Understanding Maleness and Femaleness01:01:06 Sexual Difference as a Reflection of Divine LoveSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-london-lyceum4672/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jul 2, 2025 • 40min
Original Sin and the Colloquy of Regensburg
In this episode Jordan talks with Daniel Houck and Joel Chopp about original sin and the colloquy at Regensburg. They explore the historical context of the colloquy, the definitions and debates surrounding original sin, and the concept of concupiscence. The conversation highlights the complexities of theological definitions and the challenges of achieving consensus among different traditions, particularly between Protestant and Catholic perspectives.Find the symposium at Pro Ecclesia here.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Symposium on Original Sin04:31 Historical Context of the Regensburg Colloquy08:38 Defining Original Sin: Theological Debates12:37 Concupiscence and Its Implications16:35 The Image of God and Its Theological Significance21:01 Protestant and Catholic Perspectives on Original Sin25:04 Conclusion and Future DiscussionsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-london-lyceum4672/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jun 25, 2025 • 42min
Book Club: Basil's On the Holy Spirit
In this episode, Hunter, EJ Roussel, and Elijah discuss Basil the Great's work 'On the Holy Spirit.' They explore the significance of group reading, the importance of a biblical approach to theology, and Basil's views on the Holy Spirit, deification, and baptism. The conversation highlights the relevance of Basil's teachings in contemporary theological discussions and the value of engaging with patristic literature.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the London Lyceum Podcast01:42 The Importance of Reading Groups04:42 Basil the Great's Arguments on the Holy Spirit07:50 Basil's Biblical Foundation and Theological Reasoning12:36 Understanding the Holy Spirit's Attributes15:47 The Concept of Deification in Basil's Theology19:09 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Sanctification and Theology23:07 Theological Foundations and Orthodoxy24:42 Basil's Theology of Baptism31:49 Typology and Biblical Theology34:05 The Interconnection of Theology and Church Life38:35 Reflections on Trinitarianism and Basil's InfluenceSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-london-lyceum4672/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 7min
Baptist Bonanza! Featuring the Center for Baptist Renewal - Generally Particular Ep. 44
Jake and Jesse talk with Luke Stamps and Winston Hotman about a rangeof topics on Baptist history, identity, and current denominational issues. Topics include reflections on the SBC annual meeting, debates over pragmatism versus theological fidelity in church governance, the role of local associations, and the interplay of historical figures like Andrew Fuller, John Gill, and Spurgeon in shaping Baptist tradition. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes about rural Southern church culture, the enduring value of revivalism, and hymnody.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-london-lyceum4672/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jun 18, 2025 • 44min
Emotions, Science, and Theology with Tim Pickavance, Liz Hall, Erin Smith, and Jason McMartin
In this episode Jordan talks with a panel of experts to explore the intricate relationship between emotions and various disciplines, particularly science and theology. The conversation delves into how emotions influence moral judgments, the cultural attitudes towards emotions, and the implications for Christian thought. The panelists share their research findings on emotional responses to controversial technologies and discuss the importance of emotional engagement in navigating moral dilemmas. They also introduce resources aimed at helping individuals and groups engage thoughtfully with these issues.Learn more here.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Its Mission02:55 Exploring the Role of Emotions in Christian Thought05:34 The Intersection of Emotions, Science, and Technology08:08 Understanding Emotions: A Psychological Perspective11:05 Theological Insights on Emotions13:57 Cultural Perspectives on Emotions in Christianity16:54 The Complexity of Emotions and Their Terminology19:35 Research Findings on Anger and Moral Emotions22:20 Implications of Emotional Responses to Science24:58 Moral Outrage and Technology26:27 Exploring Morally Provocative Scenarios28:12 The Role of Emotions in Engagement31:35 Tools for Engaging Controversial Topics36:33 Navigating Social Media and Emotional Engagement39:41 Intentional Engagement and ReflectionSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-london-lyceum4672/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jun 11, 2025 • 50min
Civilizational Work with John Wilsey and Stephen O. Presley
In this episode Jordan talks with John Wilsey and Stephen Presley about civilizational work, the concept of citizenship, and the intersection of faith and civic duty. They explore the importance of family and community in shaping citizenship, the role of the church as a family, and the impact of technology on community engagement. The conversation also touches on American exceptionalism and its relationship with Christian principles, as well as historical perspectives on citizenship.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the London Lyceum Podcast02:44 The Importance of Civilizational Work05:34 Understanding Citizenship in Civil Society06:17 The Role of Family in Citizenship07:59 Christianity and Civilizational Engagement10:02 Challenges of Modern Church Membership12:40 Creating a Welcoming Community14:59 The Future of Civilizational Work19:21 Reimagining the Church as Family25:01 Navigating Cultural and Civic Engagement31:43 The Role of Scripture in Shaping Citizenship36:00 Facing State Opposition: The Church's Response37:44 The Importance of Memorization in Faith48:34 Closing Thoughts and RecommendationsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-london-lyceum4672/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jun 4, 2025 • 57min
Puritanism with Stephen Yuille
In this episode Garrett Walden and Jonathan Baddley talk with with Dr. Stephen Yuille, about Puritan literature. They discuss Yuille's background, his journey into studying the Puritans, and the misconceptions surrounding Puritanism. The conversation delves into the Puritan approach to devotional life, their emphasis on confessionalism, and the unique aspects of their spirituality.Resources:1) The Blessed and Boundless God (Swinnock) - Puritan Treasures for TodayChapters00:00 Introduction to the London Lyceum Podcast02:42 Dr. Stephen Yuille's Background and Puritan Studies05:15 The Impact of J.I. Packer on Understanding Puritanism07:51 Misconceptions About Puritanism10:56 Puritan Affective Theology and Experiential Piety18:54 The Popularity of Puritan Writings25:09 Distinctions in Puritanism Across Eras26:42 The Pejorative Origins of Puritanism30:46 Puritanism and the Church of England35:40 The Evolution of Puritan Identity36:34 Puritanism and Nonconformity45:16 The Spiritual Legacy of Puritanism45:58 Reviving Puritan Literature for Modern ReadersSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-london-lyceum4672/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy